Carnation plant variety named `CFPC Malea`

ABSTRACT

A new variety of carnation plant producing light pink flowers with smooth petal edges and strong stems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of carnationplant which was originated by me in a controlled breeding program by mycrossing as seed parent the variety known as `CFPC Amethyst` (U.S. PlantPat. No. 8,122) and as pollen parent an unnamed and unpatented seedlingof my creation identified as No. 890013.

Among the novel combination of characteristics possessed by the newvariety which distinguishes it are sprays of light pink flowers withsmooth petal edges and strong stems. The new variety is also able toproduce flower sprays during low light periods. Plants of `CFPC Malea`exhibit resistance to soil-borne disease such as Fusarium oxysporum andF. graminearum and root rots such as damping off, water molds and thelike. The flowers have a distinctive pink color which is generallyretained without fading.

Asexual reproduction by propagation by side shoot cuttings of the newvariety as performed in Salinas, Calif., shows that the foregoing andother distinguishing characteristics come true to form and areestablished and transmitted through succeeding propagations.

The closest commercial cultivar in color to the new cultivar of which Iam aware is `CFPC Serenity`, (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,249). However, thenew variety produces stronger stems and its flowers have a smootherpetal edge. Also, `CFPC Malea` flowers are more pink with less salmoncoloration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATION

The accompanying illustration shows typical specimens of the vegetativegrowth and flowers of the new variety depicted in color as nearly trueas it is reasonably possible to make the same in a color illustration ofthis character.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

The following is a detailed description of my new variety, with colorterminology in accordance with The Royal Horticultural Society ColourChart (R.H.S.C.C.). The terminology used in color description hereinrefers to plate numbers in the aforementioned color chart. Colordesignations and color descriptions may deviate from the stated valuesdepending upon varying environmental, seasonal and cultural conditions.

The information provided herein is based on observations of plants growninside commercial greenhouses at Salinas, Calif. The height of plant andflower and foliage size are established as an average using standardcommercial cultural practices. Where terms such as average, normal,ordinary, etc., are used, the characteristics so described are notconsidered distinguishing.

Name: `CFPC Malea`.

Classification:

Botanical.--Hybrid, Dianthus caryophyllus.

Commercial.--Carnation, standard spray type.

Parentage:

Female parent.--`CFPC Amethyst`.

Male parent.--Unnamed seedling (No. 890013).

1. Plant:

Height.--About 35 inches.

Growing habit.--Herbaceous, semi-upright.

Blooming habit.--As a spray.

Blooming season.--Year round.

Breaking action.--Good.

Rooting time.--About 16 days.

Mutation prone.--No.

Disease resistance.--Good.

Temperature tolerance.--Wide range.

2. Foliage:

Color.--Upper side: Near 137A. Lower side: Near 138A.

Size.--About 5 inches in length.

Quantity.--Numerous.

Shape.--Lanceolate.

Texture.--Smooth.

Ribs.--Central, keeled.

Arrangement.--Bi-lateral along stem.

Stem color.--Green.

3. Bud:

Shape.--Ovoid

Color.--Green.

Length.--About 11/2 inches.

Diameter.--About 1/2 inch.

4. Calyx:

Number of sepals.--About 6.

Length.--About 1 inch.

Width.--About 1/3 inch.

Color.--Outside -- near 145A.

Color.--Inside -- near 145C.

5. Bloom:

Shape.--Round.

Size.--Diameter average: About 21/2 inches. Depth average: About 1 inch.

Borne.--Terminally as a spray.

Color.--General tonality: Light pink. Upper side: Near 49D fading tonear 36D. Lower side: near 49C fading to near 36C. Center: Near 49Cfading to near 36C. Outer petals: Near 49D fading to near 36D.

Keeping Quality: Very good.

Fragrance: Slight.

6. Petals:

Number.--About 35.

Outer petals.--Length; About 1 inch. Width: About 11/4 inches.

Central petals.--Length: About 3/4-inch.

Width: About 1/2 inch.

Texture.--Smooth.

Form.--Fan shaped.

Appearance.--Shiny.

7. Reproductive organs:

Stamens.--About 4.

Anthers.--About 1/10 inch, color near 164B.

Filaments.--About 1/4 inch, color near 145A.

Pistil.--Number: About 7. Color: Near 155D. Length: 11/3 inches.

Stigma.--Number: About 2. Color: Near 158D.

Ovary.--Shape: Conical. Color: Base -- tan. Body -- green. Apex -- lightgreen.

Fertility.--Female: Poor. Male: Fair.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of carnation plant substantiallyas shown and described.